DSM Engineering Plastics has announced that Akulon PA6 resin has been selected by various OEMs and Tiers for various applications and feasibility studies for oil sumps and oil pans use in under-the-hood. Currently various engine and road tests are ongoing. Final design validation of Akulon PA6 in the oil sumps and oil pans is expected for the end of 2009.

The first prototype parts in Akulon PA6 are based on multi-part designs, where the parts are welded together via vibration welding techniques. First results of the feasibility studies already indicate that the noise level with PA6 oil sumps is comparable to that of sumps from silent steel, when the design is optimized for plastics. With improved designs it is possible to contain more oil with the PA6 solution than is possible in today’s metal sumps. Moreover, various other additional functions and features may be integrated in the Akulon PA6 modules.

The main decision criteria for this selection of PA6 are weight, NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and system cost reduction opportunities versus metal as well as better heat ageing resistance and better welding strength compared to PA66.

Additional productivity gains are possible by using DSM’s Akulon Ultraflow, PA6. This high flow material allows 20% lower cycle times in injection molding in combination with an excellent surface appearance. Akulon Ultraflow K-FHG7 and K-FHG6 delivers a significant improvement in flow ability, without losing strength.

According to Harry Siepel Application Manager Automotive: - Applications such as oil sumps and oil pans, will be the change from metal and or aluminum into Polyamide in the next ten years.